So-called fiscal conservatives are anything but

In the midst of the impassioned debate concerning health care, Republicans have been quick to relentlessly criticize the Democratic majority of Congress over their "out-of- hand government spending."

Following this, they also have on numerous occasions retorted to Democratic debate with the guilt trip of "giving their children's generation a bill they can't pay." But let us examine exactly who is making these accusations and arguments.

These are the Republicans who stood idly while they watched a $5.7 trillion Clinton debt turn into a $10.6 trillion Bush debt.

These are the Republicans who stood idly while a Clinton surplus was turned into a Bush deficit.

These are the Republicans who stood idly as we deployed troops to the Middle East at more than $1 million per soldier.

These are the Republicans who stood idly while Bush pushed a $700 billion bailout bill.

These are the Republicans who stood idly while the Bush administration increased federal spending at its quickest rate in 30 years.

Government spending is not an issue that politicians can be selective about. Be it for alleviating the burden of the ever rising health insurance premium, or pursuing a foreign policy that resembles much of the historically regrettable "domino theory." A dollar is a dollar, and the conservatives are anything but.